Congratulations! You’ve found the one, and now it’s time to find the other one—the perfect wedding photographer. Because let’s face it, while your marriage is bound to last forever, those photos will be floating around on social media until the end of time. So how do you choose a wedding photographer? Buckle up and get ready to navigate the wild world of wedding photography. Here’s how to choose a wedding photographer that is a perfect match for you!
It’s time to embark on a comprehensive search online, strategically navigating platforms such as Google and Instagram. These resources offer a wealth of information about potential photographers, allowing you to view their portfolios, assess their skills, and gauge the consistency of their work. Focus on finding a photographer whose editing style aligns with your preferences. Whether you prefer a classic and timeless aesthetic or a more contemporary and artistic approach, paying attention to their editing techniques is crucial. Additionally, evaluate their ability to capture unique angles that resonate with your vision for the wedding. This process is akin to a detective’s mission, seeking out the perfect candidate who not only possesses technical expertise but also demonstrates a keen understanding of your personal style and narrative.
You wouldn’t hire a chef without tasting their food, right? Well, the same goes for your photographer. Dive deep into their portfolio; it’s like their online dating profile. Swipe right if you’re into their style, but swipe left if you’re not feeling the chemistry. After all, you don’t want your wedding photos to be a surprise package that leaves you saying, “Wait, who is that in the picture?”
Ah, the B-word that no one likes to talk about. But guess what? Your wedding budget is like a gymnast on a balance beam—it requires precision and finesse. Before you splurge on that high-end photographer with a helicopter drone, make sure you can still afford to feed your guests something other than instant noodles. Now, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty—hours of coverage. It’s not just about the quality of the photographer but also the quantity of moments captured. Consider this the ‘Netflix binge’ of your wedding—how many episodes (hours) are you signing up for? A full day of coverage typically starts at 8 hours for a traditional wedding, ensuring your photographer is there from the pre-wedding jitters to the last dance moves. Trust us; you’ll want those extra hours to capture every tear, every laugh, and every Uncle Bob attempting the electric slide. So, while you’re sipping champagne and dreaming of helicopter shots, don’t forget the importance of securing enough hours to turn your wedding album into a blockbuster hit.
Your photographer is going to be your shadow on the big day, so you better make sure you like their company. I’m not staying you have to be BFF, but you do have to get along and enjoy being around them! Schedule a meeting, grab a coffee, or even have a virtual chat. If their jokes make you cringe, chances are your wedding photos will too. You want someone who can capture genuine smiles, not fake ones induced by awkward banter.
Murphy’s Law has a knack for crashing weddings. What if your photographer falls down a rabbit hole or accidentally turns their camera into a confetti cannon? Make sure they have a backup plan for everything. A true professional knows how to handle the unexpected and still deliver photos that don’t scream “disaster.” Will they have an assistant the day of the wedding? Will they have a second shooter? Do they have a group of photographer friends who can step in for them in cases of an emergency?
Choosing a wedding photographer is like picking your life partner—except you can always divorce a bad photographer. So, laugh, cry, and dance your way through this decision-making process. Find someone who not only captures your perfect day but enhances it with laughter and joy. After all, if your photographer can make you smile, then your wedding photos are sure to be picture-perfect. Always trust your wedding planners recommendations as well. They know the difference between who is a professional and who is just Instagram famous!
Cheers to a lifetime of love, laughter, and fabulous photos! Let’s connect and talk about how we can be a part of your wedding planning journey and help you choose a wedding photographer.